A 24-year-old footballer, Safwan Awae, has died after being struck by lightning during a football match in Thailand, leaving 12 other players injured. The tragic incident occurred on August 4, 2026, during the Golok FA Cup 2026 tournament at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province, southern Thailand.
Incident Details
Safwan, who played as a winger for Yala FC, was on the pitch when lightning struck the playing area amid heavy rain and stormy weather. Footage from the stadium captured the moment the bolt hit, causing players to collapse and spectators to panic. Emergency responders and bystanders rushed to assist the affected players before they were taken for medical treatment.
According to reports, at least 12 other players were injured, with some requiring hospital treatment. Among the injured was Malaysian footballer Alif Ezzahan Zulkifli, who suffered injuries after the strike. Safwan was among those seriously affected and was later confirmed dead from his injuries.
Reactions and Concerns
Following the tragedy, Yala FC and football authorities expressed condolences over Safwan's death, describing the incident as a painful loss for the club and the football community. The incident has renewed concerns about safety measures during outdoor sporting events, particularly when matches continue during severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms.
Lightning strikes are a known risk during outdoor activities, and safety experts generally advise that sporting events should be suspended when lightning is detected nearby to reduce the risk of injury or death. Safwan's death adds to a number of rare but tragic cases involving lightning strikes during sporting events around the world.
